Blog Cellar

Saint Cosme Little James’ Basket Press Rouge NV

Estate: Château Saint Cosme is located in the heart of the Gigondas appellation and is one of the top producers of Côtes du Rhône. The oldest estate in the region, documents from the year 1416 mention, “the granting by Jean de Chalon, Prince of Orange, of “land for the planting of vines on the Saint Cosme slopes.” Located on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa, the remains of the Roman wine cellar still exist in the Chateau’s caves. The Barruol family has owned the estate since 1579. Today, 14th generation winemaker Louis Barroul passionately heads the property. With an average vine age of 60 years, Barroul strives to make wines that express the personality and purity of the extraordinary terroir and old vines. ‘Little James’ Basket Press’ “is their “wine of freedom”, it’s meant to recall when many years ago wine merchants made wines with only one target; pleasure”.

Winemaking: The estate practices organic viticulture and believes in minimal intervention in all facets of winemaking. Little James Basket Press is a Solera blend, a fractional ageing process [often seen with Sherry and Port] in which the final product is a mix of different vintages, with the average age gradually increasing as the process continues over many years. “The 2015 bottlings will contain 50% of the 2014 and 50% of the Solera (the blend of the older vintages).”

Tasting Notes: Garnet in colour with aromas of jammy fruit and peppery spice. Soft baking spices wrap around a tart, fresh fruit core of red currant and cherry, whilst earthy, leafy hints extend the dry, spicy finish. Wonderfully easy drinking on its own, and a great companion to a wide variety of dishes.